Attachment for a Device for Generating an Air Flow or Dispensing a Fluid into the External Auditory Canal

ABSTRACT

An attachment for a device for generating an air flow or dispensing a fluid, which attachment is designed to be at least partially introduced into an external auditory canal of a human or animal ear, the attachment including a connection piece for connecting the attachment to the device for generating an air flow, and a tongue-type guide vane for conducting air that flows out of the device for generating an air flow via the connection piece, the guide vane having a bottom.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present teaching relates to an attachment for a device forgenerating an air flow, preferably a warm air flow, or for dispensing afluid, which attachment is designed to be at least partially introducedinto an external auditory canal of a human or animal ear in order to dryup accumulations of moisture in the external auditory canal. Inaddition, the present teaching relates to an ear-drying tool comprisinga device for generating an air flow as well as the inventive attachment.The present teaching further relates to a tool for care or therapeutictreatment of the external auditory canal of a human or animal ear.

BACKGROUND

Patients suffering from chronic moist auditory canals—whether because ofa radical cavity, an eardrum wall perforation or another disorder of theexternal auditory canal—or wearers of hearing aids are frequentlyconfronted with the problem of efficient removal of moisture from theexternal auditory canal of the ear. In addition, water can enter theauditory canal while a person is in the bathtub, taking a shower orswimming, leading to reduced hearing acuity. Moreover, bacteria, germsand impurities can thereby more easily reach the external auditorycanal, causing inflammations there and requiring rapid removal of theseliquid accumulations.

From the prior art, however, no devices are known that can help makesuch removal possible in a safe and efficient way. For example, it is afamiliar practice to introduce an air flow into the auditory canal, bywhich the external auditory canal is to be dried. An attachment that canbe inserted into the external auditory canal for generating an air flowis known, for example, from patent EP 0937422 B1. First of all, however,the attachment proposed therein conducts the air inserted into theexternal auditory canal directly to the eardrum wall of the treated ear,possibly causing injuries and residual harm; in addition, because of itsstructure the attachment can be inserted only to the depth of a fewmillimeters, or not at all, into the patient's auditory canal, andthereby, in particular, accumulations of moisture in the end regionclose to the eardrum of the normally 2 to 2.5 cm long auditory canalcannot be removed except possibly after lengthy application and/orgreater intensity of the air flow.

Analogously, in freeing the external auditory canal of cerumen by meansof a fluid, injuries of the eardrum can result if the fluid is applieddirectly to the eardrum. At the same time, cerumen deposits can remainin the external auditory canal, and thus cleaning of the externalauditory canal may be unsatisfactory if fluid cannot reach the entireexternal auditory canal. Devices for cleaning the external auditorycanal are known, for example, from EP 0 243 261 Al and DE 692 14 690 T2.

Also, in the context of conducting a fluid into the external auditorycanal for the purpose of care or therapeutic treatment of the externalauditory canal, injuries of the eardrum can occur if the fluid isapplied directly to the eardrum. The cleansing or therapeutic effect ofsuch a treatment of the external auditory canal by means of a fluid, inaddition, can fail to achieve its maximum effect if the fluid cannotpenetrate the entire external auditory canal.

SUMMARY

It is accordingly one object of the present teaching to provide anattachment for a device for generating an air flow, preferably a warmair flow, which attachment makes possible the rapid and efficientremoval of moisture from the external auditory canal of a human or ananimal by means of an air flow, without thereby exposing the eardrumwall to the risk of injury.

In addition, the provided attachment is intended to be adaptable todifferent auditory canals in a non-complex manner, to comprise a simplestructure and to be cost-effective in production.

The efficiency of ear-drying instruments that include the inventiveattachment, moreover, should be significantly increased. The inventiveear-drying instrument is to provide a marked drying outcome after aslittle as 15 seconds' application duration. It should be possible toachieve complete drying after an application duration of no more than 30seconds.

In addition, it is an object of the present teaching to provide anattachment for a device for generating a fluid, which attachment makespossible the rapid and efficient removal of cerumen from the externalauditory canal of a human or animal by means of a fluid, without at thesame time exposing the eardrum to the risk of injury.

Finally, it is an object of the present teaching to provide anattachment for a device for generating a fluid, which attachment makespossible the rapid and efficient care or therapeutic treatment of theexternal auditory canal of a human or animal by means of a fluid,without at the same time exposing the eardrum to the risk of injury.

One object of the present teaching is fulfilled, according to thepresent teaching, by an attachment for a device for generating an airflow, preferably a warm air flow, or for releasing a fluid, whichattachment is designed to be at least partially introduced into anexternal auditory canal of a human or animal ear, wherein the attachmentcomprises a connection piece for connection to the device for generatingan air flow, and a tongue-type guide vane, standing apart from theconnection piece, with a guide vane bottom for conducting air that flowsout of the device or fluid that is dispensed from said device, andwherein the guide pane is mounted behind the connection piece in thestreaming direction of the air flow or fluid, wherein the guide vanebottom of a first portion of the guide vane having a lengthwise-sectioncourse, which is curved in a first direction, and the guide vane bottomof a second portion of the guide vane has a lengthwise-section course,which is curved in a second direction, and both curved portions run in acurve in directions opposite one another. The connection piece here canbe of various configurations. It can, for instance, constitute anessential element of the attachment and provide the latter withstability. Or else it can merely form a portion of the attachment, whichserves to connect the attachment to the device without at the same timecontributing to the stability of the attachment.

According to the present teaching, the air flow provided by the deviceis introduced into the external auditory canal by the inventiveattachment and then directed by the guide vane in such a way that,inside the external auditory canal, a stream develops that isparticularly advantageous for the desired drying effect. The air flowthus streams by means of the connection piece into the attachment, flowsfirst through the connection piece and is fed thereafter by the guidevane bottom of the guide vane in the direction of the external auditorycanal. Thanks to the inventive course of the guide vane or the curvatureof the guide vane bottom, an especially favorable stream distribution ofthe air flow is achieved inside the external auditory canal.Particularly in comparison with attachments whose guide vane bottom hasa straight lengthwise-section course, especially good drying resultswere successfully achieved. It is particularly advantageous hereif—viewed from the connection piece—the gradient of a tangent arrangedto the guide vane bottom in the first portion of the guide vane bottomdecreases with the distance from the connection piece and in the secondportion of the guide vane bottom increases with the distance from theconnection piece. The air flow is directed through the inventiveattachment in such a way that something like an eddy is formed insidethe external auditory canal. The said eddy—depending on how far theattachment is introduced into the external canal of the subject'sauditory canal—can either occur because of a spin, which the air flowundergoes on account of the guide pane, and/or can be formed because ofreflection of the air flow on lateral walls leading to the eardrum. Theair flow, consequently, rather than strike directly against the eardrum,can instead be reflected only onto the lateral walls of the externalauditory canal, preferably repeatedly, before it is conducted along theeardrum, so that it sweeps along the eardrum surface. For example, theair flow can strike against an upper lateral wall of the auditory canal,can be reflected there and can be conducted along the eardrum in thedirection of a lower lateral wall of the external auditory canal, wherethe air flow is once again reflected and finally moved in the directionof the outer ear. It is also possible for the air flow to be reflectedmultiple times on the lateral walls of the external auditory canalbefore the air flow reaches the eardrum. In particular, by means of theinventive attachment, moisture accumulations can also be removed fromthe Recessus meatus acustici externi, that is, from that trough that isfound directly in front of the eardrum between the floor of the externalauditory canal running diagonally down onto the eardrum and thediagonally standing eardrum which canopies this floor. The turbulence ofthe air flow, whether it is from the twisting and/or from reflection onthe lateral walls of the external auditory canal leading to the eardrum,has the result that the air flow sweeps over the eardrum and theRecessus meatus acustici externi, rather than colliding frontallyagainst the eardrum. Because of the streaming pathway of the air flowinside the external auditory canal, determined by the inventiveattachment, there only especially short application periods arenecessary for satisfactory drying. For example, an appreciable dryingeffect can be obtained even after 15 seconds if an inventive ear-dryingdevice—as described further hereinafter—is employed having the inventiveattachment. To dry the external auditory canal—that is, to reduce themoisture content in the auditory canal back to the customary quantity—anapplication period of about 30 seconds or less is sufficient.

In addition, it has been shown that the inventive attachment also makespossible the especially protective and simultaneously effective removalof cerumen from the external auditory canal if the attachment is used inconnection with a device for dispensing a fluid. On the basis of theinventive guide vane, the fluid, for instance water, forms inside theexternal auditory canal an especially favorable stream pathway forcleaning. Analogously to the air flow described above, the fluid is alsoforced into a quasi-eddy when it streams into the external auditorycanal, so that, on the one hand, a direct strike of the fluid againstthe eardrum is prevented and, at the same time, thanks to the turbulenceand/or reflection of the fluid on the lateral walls of the externalauditory canal, especially effective removal of cerumen adhering to thelateral walls is ensured.

It has further been demonstrated that the inventive attachment alsomakes possible an especially protective and simultaneously effectivecare and therapeutic treatment of the external auditory canal if theattachment is used in connection with a device for dispensing a fluid.As a result of the inventive guide vane, the fluid inside the externalauditory canal configures an especially favorable streaming pathway forcare and therapeutic treatment of the external auditory canal. Injuriesof the eardrum can be avoided here and maximization of the care ortherapeutic effect can be achieved, because the fluid used for care ortherapeutic treatment is not conveyed directly onto the eardrum and,because of the inventive turbulence and/or reflection of the fluid, canreach the lateral walls of the external auditory canal especially well.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present teaching, it can beforeseen that the first portion and the second portion are directlycontiguous. In particular, it is favorable in streaming technology termsif the first portion and the second portion of the guide vane bottom arenot severed from one another by any discontinuity but instead flowdirectly into one another.

This results in a streaming pathway of the air flow serving for dryinginside the external auditory canal, which pathway is especiallyfavorable for the desired drying effect.

To realize the inventive effect described above, which makes possible aprotective drying of the eardrum, it is basically sufficient tointroduce the tongue-shaped guide vane into the external auditory canaland exploits either the turbulence of the air flow caused by the guidevane or the reflection and/or turbulence likewise caused by the guidevane and/or turbulence on the walls of the external auditory canal; yetit can be advantageous, in addition, to employ an ear funnel as theattachment.

According to an additional preferred embodiment of the inventiveattachment, it is therefore foreseen that the attachment should includean ear funnel, which surrounds the tongue-like guide vane at leastpartially, preferably entirely, in lengthwise direction and comprises aproximal opening, with which proximal opening the attachment, whenappropriately used, is introduced into or applied to the externalauditory canal, so that the proximal opening constitutes the closestopening of the ear funnel to the eardrum, wherein the ear funnel isconnected to the connection piece and stands apart from it, or theconnection piece configures an end portion of the ear funnel.

The ear funnel thus serves as that part of the attachment which isbrought into direct contact with the external auditory canal or thelateral walls of the same when the attachment is used as intended and isintroduced into the external auditory canal of the subject. The earfunnel can be connected with the connection piece of the attachment andcan extend from it or the connection piece can form an end portion ofthe ear funnel. The guide vane is arranged at least partially inside thepreferably sleeve-shaped ear tunnel. Preferably, the guide vane does notextend out of the ear funnel. The ear funnel makes possible, on the onehand, easy widening and advantageous positioning fordrying—specifically, easy straightening—of the usually diagonallyrunning external auditory canal if the attachment is introduced with theear funnel into the external auditory canal of a person or animal; onthe other hand, the ear funnel also allows easy adjustment of theattachment to the various conditions such as use in adults orchildren—such as by a corresponding choice of shape and size of the eartrumpet. The length of the ear funnel can be adjusted to the lengthwisecourse of the guide vane in order to support the formation of theturbulences and reflections described above in the external auditorycanal. Upon intended use of the attachment for trying the externalauditory canal, the attachment with the proximal opening of the earfunnel is introduced into the subject's external auditory canal orapplied to it. The term “proximal” refers here and hereinafter to theposition of a particular element with respect to the subject's eardrum.Concretely, the proximal opening means the opening of the ear funnelclosest to the subject's eardrum.

With an additional preferred embodiment of the inventive attachment, itis foreseen that, from the viewpoint of a lengthwise section of theattachment, the guide vane bottom intersects a lengthwise axis of theattachment, which lengthwise axis runs through the center point of theportion of the connection piece standing perpendicular to the lengthwiseportion.

The tongue-type guide vane of the attachment intersects the lengthwiseaxis running through the center point of the portion of the connectionpiece. According to the present teaching, this assumes that the guidevane in a lateral view of the attachment runs at least partiallydiagonally to this lengthwise axis. Preferably, the guide vane, viewedalong its length in the streaming direction, can have a non-disappearinggradient. Because the guide vane, in particular the lengthwise portionof the guide vane bottom, diagonally intersects the lengthwise axis ofthe attachment, the air flow is guided in such a way that it does notdirectly strike against the subject's eardrum.

According to another preferred embodiment of the inventive attachment,it is foreseen that, in viewing a lengthwise section of the attachment,the guide vane bottom intersects a lengthwise axis of the ear funnel,which lengthwise axis runs through the centerpiece of the proximalopening of the ear funnel.

Provided that the ear funnel is rotation symmetrical—which is the case,apart from an outlet opening in the enclosure of the ear funnel—thelengthwise axis of the ear funnel coincides with its rotation axis. Theguide vane can be arranged inside the ear funnel in such a way that,viewed in a lengthwise section, the guide vane bottom intersects thelengthwise axis of the ear funnel, wherein it has proved especiallyeffective for the intended turbulences or reflections and thus for thedesired drying, if the guide vane bottom intersects the lengthwise axisof the ear funnel in a proximal end portion of the ear funnel.

Preferably the lengthwise axis of the ear funnel coincides with thelengthwise axis of the attachment. Thereby the structure of theinventive attachment can be kept particularly simple.

According to an additional preferred embodiment of the inventiveattachment, it is foreseen that the tongue-type guide vane comprises twoguide vane frames extending from the guide vane bottom, namely a firstguide vane frame and a second guide vane frame, wherein guide vanebottoms and guide vane frames configure a guide channel or part of aguide channel for the air flowing from the device for generating an airflow.

The guide vane frames make it possible to ensure targeted and controlledguidance of the air flow along the guide vane as well as controlledemission of the air flow to the external auditory canal. In addition,with embodiments of the attachment having an ear funnel, any undesiredreflections of the air flow on an interior wall of the ear funnel can beavoided. Here the guide pane frames can be in contact with the earfunnel, for example, over the entire length of the guide pane bottom orelse in one or more lengthwise sections of the guide pane bottom.Alternatively, the guide pane frames can also be placed at a distancefrom the ear funnel.

According to an additional preferred embodiment, it is foreseen that thefirst guide pane frame extends from a first lengthwise border of theguide pane bottom and the second guide pane frame extends from a secondlengthwise border situated opposite the first lengthwise border.Alternatively, it can also be foreseen that the first guide pane frameis configured by the first lengthwise border of the guide pane bottomand the second guide pane frame by the second lengthwise border of theguide pane bottom.

Here the guide pane frames restrict the guide pane bottom to itslengthwise sides which are opposite one another and, to the greatestpossible extent, make it impossible for the air flow from the guidechannel serving for drying to reach other areas of the attachment, suchas an exhaust air duct, before the said air flow arrives at the externalauditory canal for the intended drying. If the guide pane frames, on theother hand, are in contact with the ear funnel along their entirelength, such an overflow of air from the guide channel into other areas,such as the exhaust air duct, can be completely prevented. are isolatedor separated in a fluid manner from one another. In this way, guidechannel and exhaust air duct can be isolated or separated from oneanother in a fluid-like manner by the guide panel. Particularlyadvantageous drying effects can be achieved if the guide pane framesextend over the entire length of the guide panes. The guide pane framescan also be produced as a single unit with the guide pane bottoms andcan be configured by the first lengthwise border and the secondlengthwise border opposite to it. The guide pane frames can comprise across-section profile with a different curvature in comparison to theguide pane bottoms situated between the guide pane frames. Thetransition between the guide pane bottoms and the guide pane frames canbe continuous, taking the form for instance of a change in the gradientor curvature of the cross-section profile of the guide pane bottom. Thiscan make it difficult to distinguish unequivocally between guide panebottom and guide pane frame. For example, guide pane bottom and guidepane frame can be arranged in such a way that an overall cross-sectionof the guide pane configured by guide pane bottom and guide pane frameis essentially U-shaped in configuration.

According to an additional preferred embodiment of the inventiveattachment, it is foreseen that the tongue-type guide pane comprises aportion that runs in the connection piece.

This is particularly advantageous when the attachment comprises no earfunnel or a removable one. The connection piece in this case serves onthe one hand for connection to the device, and on the other hand givesthe attachment the required stability to support the guide pane.

To avoid injuries to the eardrum and/or to the lateral wall of theexternal auditory canal, in another preferred embodiment of theinventive attachment it is foreseen that the tongue-type guide pane isarranged completely inside the ear funnel and/or the connection piece.

With attachments according to this embodiment of the present teaching,risk of injuries to the subject's eardrum and/or the lateral walls ofthe external auditory canal can be minimized, because the entire guidepane is protected inside the attachment. In particular, the first andsecond portions of the guide pane can be mounted inside the ear funneland the portion of the guide pane running in the connection piece.

According to an additional preferred embodiment of the attachment andaccording to this present teaching, it is foreseen that the ear funnelnarrows from the connection piece all the way to the proximal opening ofthe ear funnel.

The proximal opening preferably has a circular circumference and adiameter of no more than 7 mm. Because the shape of the ear funnelthereby is adapted to the shape of the external auditory canal, at leastin the proximal end region of the ear funnel, said end region beingintroduced into the auditory canal, this makes possible an especiallysimple and pain-free introduction of the attachment into the externalauditory canal. The inventive attachment can thus be inserted far towardthe subject's eardrum, such as up to 20 mm, preferably 15 mm,particularly preferably 10 mm, so that the configuration of thequasi-eddy in the external auditory canal, as described above, can besupported and the drying of liquid accumulations in the Recessus meatusacustici externi can be facilitated. The minimum achievable distancefrom the eardrum can vary, depending on the special suitability of theattachment for use in men, women or children.

It is particularly preferable if the proximal end of the guide pane,closest to the eardrum (31), preferably a proximal end of the guide panebottom, is arranged inside the proximal opening of the ear funnel.

In such embodiments of the present teaching, the guide pane essentiallyends flush with the ear funnel. This is especially favorable for guidingthe air flow exiting from the attachment through the proximal opening ofthe ear funnel into the external auditory canal. Both an exit angle, atwhich the air flow—based on the lengthwise axis of the ear funnel orattachment—flows out of the attachment, and a swirling, which is to beapplied to the air flow upon exiting from the attachment, can bedeveloped especially well in this embodiment.

According to an additional preferred embodiment of the inventiveattachment, it is foreseen that the proximal end of the guide pane,preferably a proximal end of the guide pane bottom, divides the proximalopening of the ear funnel into an outlet opening for air flowing out ofthe attachment into the auditory canal and an inflow opening for airflowing out of the auditory canal into the attachment.

Thus, on the one hand, the dry air flow serving for drying, preferably awarm air flow, streams through the proximal opening of the ear funnelout of the attachment into the external auditory canal—namely in thearea of the outflow opening—and on the other hand, moist air can flowout of the external auditory canal through the proximal opening as wellas back into the attachment—namely in the area of the inflow opening.Thus, the ear funnel also makes possible the outflow of the air servingfor drying out of the auditory canal and prevents the formation of acongestion of the flow inside the auditory canal. Moist air can againleave the external auditory canal immediately after the absorption ofmoisture and isolated from the lateral walls of the external auditorycanal, thus yielding an improved drying effect. It can thereby beensured that the air flow used for drying in the area of the proximalopening is not mixed with moist air before it is introduced into theexternal auditory canal. The proximal end of the guide pane or theproximal end of the guide pane bottom and/or the guide pane frames, inthis case, contact an inner side of the ear funnel in order to separatethe inflow opening and the outflow opening in a fluid manner from oneanother.

According to an additional preferred embodiment of the present teaching,it is foreseen that the tongue-type guide pane divides an inner volumeof the ear funnel into a ventilating duct for air flowing out of theattachment into the auditory canal as well as an exhaust air duct forair flowing out of the auditory canal into the attachment, whereinpreferably the ventilating duct connects the connection piece with theoutflow opening and wherein preferably the exhaust air duct connects theinflow opening with an outlet of the attachment.

As a result, the dry air flow and the moist air issuing out of theexternal auditory canal are conducted as far as possible separately fromone another in the attachment. The dry air flow, preferably a warm airflow, is thus first generated by the device for generating an air flow,conducted by the connection piece and the guide pane through theventilation duct of the ear funnel and guided into the external auditorycanal. After the drying of the external auditory canal, in particular inthe Recessus meatus acustici externi, the moist air can leave theexternal auditory canal by the inflow opening and is guided by theexhaust air duct to the outlet of the ear funnel, through which outletthe moist air is ejected from the attachment. Inside the attachment,there is thus no mixing, or only some very limited mixing, of the airmasses conducted in the ventilation duct and in the exhaust air duct,causing a further increase in the efficiency of the drying.

In general, the guide pane bottom or the guide pane frames can contactthe ear funnel, in particular the interior of the ear funnel, either atno point or over the entire length of the ear funnel or only in the areaof the proximal opening of the ear funnel. Variants in embodiments arealso conceivable in which the guide pane bottom or the guide pane framescontact the ear funnel partially and in some portions are at a distancefrom the ear funnel, in particular from its interior.

According to an additional preferred embodiment, it is foreseen that across-section of the ventilation duct decreases as it proceeds in theflow direction.

The streaming direction here is that direction in which the air flowflows through the ventilation duct in order to reach the externalauditory canal. Because of this cross-section narrowing of theventilation duct, which preferably is of continuous configuration, theoutlet speed at which the air flow leaves the attachment can be adjustedand an outlet speed that is particularly advantageous for the desireddrying effect can be selected.

The dimensions of the attachment have the effect that the outlet of theattachment becomes situated outside the external auditory canal. Herethe outlet, especially preferably, is formed by an opening in a housingwall of the ear funnel, preferably in a portion of the ear funnel thatis situated directly ahead of the connection piece.

The moist air that has already been used for drying, or the fluid thathas flowed through the auditory canal, is therefore no longer directedinto the connection piece or even into the device, but instead leavesthe attachment earlier, in the area of the ear funnel. The result is anadditional simplification of the structure of the attachment and also ofthe device itself. In particular, thanks to this measure, manufacturingcosts of the attachment can be kept low. Because of the arrangement ofthe outlet in the portion of the ear funnel situated ahead of theconnection piece, the outlet, in addition, can be produced in anespecially simple manner. Thus, the outlet is arranged in a portion ofthe ear funnel, which portion, in the intended use of the attachment,extends onto the subject's external auditory canal, at least partially,preferably completely.

According to the present teaching, the attachment, moreover, can beconfigured in such a way that the connection piece and the guide paneare configured together as a single unit, and preferably can be combinedas a unit with the ear funnel, or that the ear funnel and the guide paneare configured together as a single unit, and preferably can be combinedas a unit with the connection piece, or that the connection piece, theguide vane and the ear funnel can be configured together as a singleunit.

In the event of the one-piece configuration of connection piece andguide pane, variously configured ear funnels can be used in connectionwith the same unit including the connection piece and the guide pane,which unit can then be produced as a separate replacement part. Thus,the attachment can be adapted to various auditory canals, without acorresponding need to replace the connection piece or the guide pane.This is particularly advantageous because the configuration of theconnection piece, above all according to the size and shape of an outletopening for the air or fluid stream, is based on the device and thus isadjusted to the device used at any time. Consequently, the ear funnel,independently of the other components of the attachment, can be adaptedspecially to the respective user group. For example, the material, sizeand/or shape of the ear funnel can be selected depending on whether theattachment is to be used by female or male adults or children, while theother components of the attachment are adapted to the respective device,in connection with which the attachment is to be used. Thus, is the earfunnel easily exchangeable and, independently of other components of theattachment, can be resupplied. The possibility of replacing the earfunnel after each completed treatment of the ear, in addition, is alsovery favorable from the hygienic standpoint.

In the event of the one-piece configuration of the ear funnel and guidepane, all parts of the attachment that, in the intended use of theattachment, (can) come into contact with the subject's external auditorycanal, namely the ear funnel and guide pane, can be supplied as aseparate replacement part and can be connected with the connectionpiece. This makes possible an especially hygienic use of the inventiveattachment, because the unit including the ear funnel and guide pane canbe exchanged after every use.

In the event of the one-piece configuration of ear funnel, guide paneand connection piece, the entire attachment can be supplied as aseparate replacement part and can be replaced after every use. Thisembodiment, in addition, is very cost-efficient.

According to an additional embodiment, it is foreseen that theconnection piece is configured by an end portion of the ear funnel.

In particular, in the event of a one-piece configuration of the earfunnel, guide pane and connection piece, thanks to the resultingomission of an additional separate component, the inventive attachmentcan be configured more compactly and produced more cost-effectively.

The object on which the present teaching is based is also achieved bymeans of an ear-drying instrument including a device for generating anair flow, preferably a warm air flow, as well as an inventive attachmentaccording to the embodiments previously described.

Analogously, an additional object of the present teaching is fulfilledby a device for care or therapeutic treatment of the external auditorycanal of a human or animal ear, including an apparatus for emitting afluid as well as an inventive attachment according to one of theembodiments previously described.

In a preferred embodiment of the inventive attachment, it is foreseenthat the connection piece is designed to connect the attachmenttwistably to the device.

The orientation of the attachment, and thereby also the direction fromwhich the (warm) air or fluid streams into the auditory canal, can thus,depending on the concrete application case (drying, cerumen removal,dispensing of a fluid for care or therapeutic treatment into theauditory canal) be selected or adjusted to the personal needs of thesubject.

It is particularly advantageous here if the connection piece compriseson an external sleeve surface at least one indentation, whichindentation can be brought into engagement with at least one claspinghook of the apparatus, in order to block the attachment in a particulartwisting position on the device.

Thereby a particular twisting position of the attachment, which isoptimal for instance for drying the auditory canal, can be pre-set; theattachment can additionally be easily moved into other twistingpositions, but is clasped in the pre-set twisting position with theclasping hook of the device. The clasping hook, for instance, can bepositioned on an inner side of the device in the area of the outletopening of the device for the fluid stream.

Particularly preferably, several indentations at a distance from oneanother are made in the external sleeve surface of the connection piecein order to allow blocking of the attachment in various twistingpositions on the device.

Thus, various twisting positions can be pre-set, of which for exampleone is optimal for a particular type of application (drying, cerumenremoval, dispensing of a care or therapeutic fluid into the auditorycanal).

The individual indentations preferably are placed at an angle of 180°,preferably of 90°, particularly preferably of 45° from one another. Thismeans that at each angle position of 180°, two equidistant indentationscan be positioned on the external sleeve surface of the connectionpiece, while for 90° the number of indentations is four and for 45° itis eight

Accordingly, the attachment can be blocked in different, selectedtwisting positions on the device.

To allow the (warm) air or fluid stream to be introduced even moreadvantageously into the subject's external auditory canal, it isforeseen in another preferred embodiment of the inventive attachmentthat at least one inflow element is foreseen, which inflow elementextended out of the guide vane bottom in order to swirl the fluidflowing out of the device and through the attachment.

Such an inflow element thus serves as a flow swirler, by which theessentially contiguous flow of the fluid through the attachment isswirled; after the inflow element passes, the stream executes a rotatingmotion (vortex). Such a streaming, modified by one or more inflowelements, has the effect that the advantageous drying, cleaning andtherapeutic effects described above are further reinforced.

Preferably, at least two inflow elements, especially preferablyflat-configured elements, are foreseen, which are arranged opposite oneanother on the guide vane bottom.

Thus, the inflow elements can be aligned approximately in the fluid'sstreaming direction or in the lengthwise direction of the attachment.

The fluid stream flowing into the attachment through the connectionpiece is swirled by the inflow elements, wherein, as a result of thearrangement in opposite pairs in the area of the attachment situatedbetween the inflow elements, there is a concentration of the fluidstream, which is advantageous for the desired effects in connection withthe drying, cerumen removal or dispensing of care or therapeutic fluidinto the auditory canal.

In another preferred embodiment, the inflow elements have the shape of atriangle, which is preferably right-angled.

Here the inflow elements can be fastened with one side of the triangleto the guide vane bottom in such a way that the other leg faces theproximal end of the guide vane bottom and the fluid stream flowing intothe attachment through the connection piece is forced by the hypotenuseof the triangle into a turbulent stream or turbulence.

Particularly preferably, inflow surfaces of the inflow elements, whichinflow surfaces face the connection piece, are perpendicular to oneanother.

Thus, the inflow surfaces face the fluid stream entering the attachmentfrom the device. A collision of the fluid stream on the inflow surfacesresults in an especially advantageous diversion of the fluid stream(previously approximately contiguous with the guide pane bottom) in theattachment.

In another preferred embodiment of the inventive attachment, it isforeseen that, as viewed from the connection piece, a distance betweenopposite inflow elements decreases in the lengthwise direction of theattachment.

The fluid stream caused by inflow elements of this configuration hasapproximately two turbulent streams, wherein each of these eddies iscaused by one of the inflow elements. Owing to the proximity of theopposite-facing pairs of inflow elements in the lengthwise direction ofthe attachment—and thus in the flow direction of the fluid—there is astreaming distribution in the auditory canal that is particularlyfavorable for the desired applications.

In another preferred embodiment of the inventive attachment, the guidevane bottom, at least in the area of a second lengthwise section of theguide vane bottom, preferably its second portion, rotates with respectto a first lengthwise section, preferably the first portion.

For example, the guide vane bottom can be configured similarly to ageometric rule as (hyper) flat, so that the second lengthwise portion,preferably an apex of the second lengthwise portion, is pushed withrespect to the first lengthwise portion, preferably an apex of the firstlengthwise portion, along a curve running perpendicular to thelengthwise axis of the attachment and/or the orientation of the secondlengthwise portion departs from that of the first lengthwise portion.

It thereby becomes possible in a targeted manner to cause an eddy in thefluid stream introduced in the auditory canal. The resultingdistribution of the streaming of the fluid flow causes an especiallyeffective drying or cleaning of the auditory canal. Care or therapeuticliquid introduced via the attachment into the auditory canal, can alsobe better distributed in the auditory canal and thus can also reachsites that cannot be treated with known treatment methods.

It can be advantageous here if the first guide vane frame and the secondguide vane frame, in particular opposite-situated portions of the guidevane frames, each are of different height.

Although the advantageous effects associated with embodiments describedheretofore as preferred act together with the inventively configuredguide pane, the corresponding advantages can also be achievedindependently of the special form of the guide pane or of the guide panebottom. In particular, the following embodiments are also part of theinventive concept:

Attachment for a device for generating an air flow, preferably a warmair flow, or for emitting a fluid, which attachment is designed to beintroduced, at least partially, into an external auditory canal of ahuman or animal ear, wherein the attachment comprises a connection piecefor connecting to the device, as well as a tongue-type guide pane havinga guide pane bottom for guiding a fluid stream flowing from the device,and wherein the connection piece is designed to connect the attachmenttwistably on the device, wherein preferably the connection piececomprises on the enclosure service at least one indentation, whichindentation can be brought into engagement with at least one connectinghook of the device, in order to block the attachment in a particulartwisting position on the device, wherein preferably several indentationsare set apart from one another on the external enclosure surface of theconnection piece in order to be able to block the attachment in varioustwisting positions on the device, wherein preferably the indentations ata distance from one another of 180°, preferably 90°, especiallypreferably 45°.

Attachment for a device for generating an air flow, preferably a warmair flow, or for emitting a fluid, which attachment is designed to beintroduced, at least partially, into an external auditory canal of ahuman or animal ear, wherein the attachment comprises a connection piecefor connecting to the device, as well as a tongue-type guide pane havinga guide pane bottom for guiding a fluid stream flowing from the device,and wherein the connection piece is designed to connect the attachmenttwistably on the device, wherein preferably the connection piececomprises on the enclosure surface at least one indentation, whichindentation can be brought into engagement with at least one connectinghook of the device, in order to block the attachment in a particulartwisting position on the device, wherein preferably several indentationsare set apart from one another on the external enclosure surface of theconnection piece in order to be able to block the attachment in varioustwisting positions on the device, wherein preferably the indentationsare at a distance from one another of 180°, preferably 90°, especiallypreferably 45°.

Attachment for a device for generating an air flow, preferably a warmair flow, or for emitting a fluid, which attachment is designed to beintroduced, at least partially, into an external auditory canal of ahuman or animal ear, wherein the attachment comprises a connection piecefor connecting to the device, as well as a tongue-type guide pane havinga guide pane bottom for guiding a fluid stream flowing from the device,and wherein at least one inflow element is foreseen, which inflowelement extends out of the guide pane bottom in order to agitate thefluid streaming out of the device, wherein preferably at least twoinflow elements, preferably of flat configuration, are foreseen, whichare arranged opposite one another on the guide pane bottom, whereinpreferably the inflow elements have the shape of a triangle, preferablya right-angle triangle, wherein preferably inflow surfaces of the inflowelements, which inflow surfaces face the connection piece, runperpendicularly to one another, wherein preferably a distance betweenthe opposite-situated inflow elements, viewed from the connection piece,decrease in the lengthwise direction of the attachment.

Attachment for a device for generating an air flow, preferably a warmair flow, or for emitting a fluid, which attachment is designed to beintroduced, at least partially, into an external auditory canal of ahuman or animal ear, wherein the attachment comprises a connection piecefor connecting to the device, as well as a tongue-type guide pane havinga guide pane bottom for guiding a fluid stream flowing from the device,and wherein the guide pane bottom is twisted with respect to the firstlengthwise portion, at least in the area of a second lengthwise portion,whereby preferably the first guide pane frame and the second guide paneframe have a different height in each case.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present teaching is now more closely described with reference toembodiments. The drawings are exemplary and intended to expound theinventive concept, without restricting it in any way or finallyreproducing it. The figures are as follows:

FIG. 1a shows an inventive attachment in a first embodiment.

FIG. 1b shows an ear funnel of the first embodiment of the inventiveattachment.

FIG. 2a shows the first embodiment of the attachment with ear funnel ina first perspective view.

FIG. 2b shows the first embodiment of the attachment with ear funnel ina second perspective view.

FIG. 3a shows a lengthwise section through the attachment from FIGS. 2aand 2b , which is fastened on a device for generating an air flow or foremitting a fluid.

FIG. 3b shows a lengthwise section through the attachment from FIGS. 2aand 2 b.

FIG. 4a shows a cross-section of the attachment from FIG. 3b accordingto A-A.

FIG. 4b shows a cross-section of the attachment from FIG. 3b accordingto B-B.

FIG. 4c shows a cross-section of the attachment from FIG. 3b accordingto C-C.

FIG. 5a shows an inventive ear-drying device including the attachmentaccording to the first embodiment without ear funnel.

FIG. 5b shows the inventive ear-drying device including the inventiveear-drying device including the attachment according to the firstembodiment with ear funnel.

FIG. 5c shows the inventive ear-drying device with a protective cap.

FIG. 6a shows a first streaming course in an external auditory canaldetermined by the inventive attachment.

FIG. 6b shows a second streaming course in an external auditory canaldetermined by the inventive attachment.

FIG. 6c shows a third streaming course in an external auditory canaldetermined by the inventive attachment.

FIG. 7a shows a line depiction of FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 7b shows a line depiction of FIG. 1 b.

FIG. 7c shows a line depiction of FIG. 2 a.

FIG. 7d shows a line depiction of FIG. 2 b.

FIG. 8a shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the inventiveattachment with indentations.

FIG. 8b shows the attachment from FIG. 8a in a lateral view.

FIG. 8c shows the attachment from FIG. 8a viewed in lengthwise directionof the attachment.

FIG. 8d shows detail F from FIG. 8 c.

FIG. 9a shows a device for emitting a fluid in the area of an outletopening in a section view.

FIG. 9b shows detail G from FIG. 9 a.

FIG. 10a shows an embodiment of the inventive attachment before theconnection to a device for emitting a fluid.

FIG. 10b shows an embodiment of the inventive attachment connected to adevice for emitting a fluid.

FIG. 11a shows an embodiment of the inventive attachment with inflowelements viewed in the lengthwise direction of the attachment.

FIG. 11b shows the attachment from FIG. 11a in a perspective depiction.

FIG. 12a shows an embodiment of the inventive attachment withasymmetrical guide pane viewed in the lengthwise direction of theattachment.

FIG. 12b shows the attachment from FIG. 12a viewed in the oppositedirection.

FIG. 13a shows a perspective view of the attachment from FIG. 12 a.

FIG. 13b shows a second perspective view of the attachment from FIG. 12a.

FIG. 13c shows a third perspective view of the attachment from FIG. 12a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, the term “lengthwise section” designates asection through an inventive attachment 1, in which the sectional planeruns parallel to the sectional plane of the figures and a lengthwiseaxis 12 of the attachment 1 is situated in the sectional plane. Inaddition, the term “cross-section” designates a section through theattachment 1 in which the sectional plane runs orthogonally to thelengthwise section.

In principle, a number of conceivable embodiments of the inventiveattachment exist, wherein it is common to all these embodiments that anair flow is agitated and/or is reflected because of the guide panestructure on lateral walls of a subject's exterior auditory canal 3, inorder to cause an optimal drying effect inside the eternal auditorycanal 3.

In a first embodiment, the inventive attachment 1 includes a connectionpiece 4 as well as a tongue-type guide pane 5, and in addition canoptimally include an ear funnel 18, wherein the connection piece 4 andthe guide pane 5 are configured as forming a single unit and can bedissolubly connected with the ear funnel 18. This embodiment isdistinguished, among other ways, in that the ear funnel 18 is removableand the attachment 1 can be used with or without ear funnel 18. The earfunnel 18, which is not necessarily foreseen in this embodiment—whenpresent—is easily exchangeable and, depending on the connection piece 4and the guide pane 5, can be replaced. The possibility of exchanging theear funnel 18 after every drying process is, in addition, also veryreasonable in a hygienic sense.

In a second embodiment, the inventive attachment likewise includes theconnection piece, the guide pane and the ear funnel, wherein the earfunnel and the guide pane in this embodiment are of configured asforming a single unit and the combination of ear funnel and guide panecan be combined with the connection piece. Here, all parts of theattachment that, in the intended use of the attachment, (can) come intocontact with the subject's external auditory canal 3, namely ear funneland guide pane, can be supplied as separate replaceable part andcombined with the connection piece. This allows an especially hygienicuse of the inventive attachment, because the unit including the earfunnel and the guide pane can be exchanged after each use.

In a third embodiment, the inventive attachment likewise includes theconnection piece, the guide pane and the ear funnel, wherein theconnection piece, guide pane and ear funnel in this embodiment areconfigured together as a single unit. The entire attachment can therebybe supplied as a separate replacement part and can be exchanged aftereach use. The result is especially simple and hygienic handling of theattachment according to the third embodiment. In addition, theattachment can be especially simple and thereby inexpensive to produceowing to its one-piece configuration.

Likewise included in the inventive concept are embodiments of theattachment in which the connection piece, the guide pane and the earfunnel are each configured as a separate component.

In the following discussion, the present teaching is described ingreater detail with reference to the first embodiment of the inventiveattachment 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 6; the second and thirdembodiments, on the other hand, are not illustrated in FIGS. 1 through6.

FIG. 1a is a perspective depiction of this embodiment of the inventiveattachment 1 without ear funnel, which is optional in this embodiment.The attachment 1 includes the connection piece 4 for connecting theattachment 1 to a device 2 for generating air flow, preferably a warmair flow, or for dispensing a fluid. The connection piece 4 hereconstitutes a portion of the attachment 1, which ensures that theattachment 1 adheres to the device 2.

In addition, the attachment 1 includes the tongue-type guide pane 5,which can be introduced into an external auditory canal 3 of an animalor human (hereinafter referred to as the subject) for the purpose ofdrying the auditory canal 3 (see FIG. 6). The guide pane 5 makespossible the controlled guidance of the air flow as well as itscontrolled dispensing to the external auditory canal 3. The guide pane 5comprises a guide pane bottom 25 for guiding the air flow and inaddition can include guide pane frames 26 in order to configure a guideduct or a part of a guide duct for the air flow.

FIG. 3a shows a lengthwise section of the inventive attachment 1according to a first embodiment without ear funnel, which lengthwisesection runs through the connection piece 4 and the guide pane 5. FIG.3b shows the attachment 1 from FIG. 3a with ear funnel 18, wherein theattachments 1 shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b are of identical configurationeven including the ear funnel 18.

The essentially sleeve-shaped connection piece 4 serves to connect theattachment 1 to the device 2 and makes possible the inflow of the airflow from the device 2 into the attachment 1.

The structure of the connection piece 4 is based here on the structureof an outlet opening 15 of the device 2, through which outlet opening 15the air flow from the device 2 flows out. The tongue-type guide pane 5is set apart from the connection piece 4 and guides the air flow intothe subject's external auditory canal 3 (see FIG. 6).

To be able to use the attachment 1, illustrated in FIG. 3a , asintended, for drying the external auditory canal 3, the latter can beintroduced with the guide pane 5—either partially or completely—into thesubject's external auditory canal 3.

From FIGS. 3a and 3b it is clearly visible that the guide pane 5 isarranged so that the guide pane bottom 25 intersects the lengthwise axis12 of the attachment 1. The lengthwise axis 12 of the attachment 1 runsthrough a center point of a cross-section of the connection piece 4shown standing perpendicularly on the lengthwise section show in FIGS.3a and 3b . The cross-section of the connection piece 4 refers hereexclusively to the connection piece 4 itself—thus, in particular, not toany portions of the guide pane 5 arranged inside the connection piece 4.The cross-section of the connection piece 4, through whose center pointthe lengthwise axis 12 extends, is shown in FIG. 4 c.

As a result of this arrangement of the guide pane 5, the air flow isconducted into the subject's external auditory canal 3 in such a waythat an especially advantageous streaming field for the desired dryingeffect develops in the external auditory canal 3. In addition, it canthereby be ensured that the air flow issuing from the attachment 1 isnot conducted directly to the subject's eardrum 31. To be precise, theair flow, if it flows via a proximal end 7 a of the guide pane bottom 25and leaves the attachment 1, is agitated and/or introduced into theexternal auditory canal 3 in such a way that the air flow is reflectedonto the lateral walls of the external auditory canal 3 in order tocause an optimal drying effect in the interior of the external auditorycanal 3. The guide pane bottom 25 preferably intersects the lengthwiseaxis 12 in a proximal—because it is closest to the subject's eardrum31—end portion of the attachment 1.

It can likewise be seen from FIGS. 3a and 3b that the guide pane bottom25 comprises a curved lengthwise section, which stands perpendicularlyto the cross-section of the guide pane bottom 25 illustrated in FIGS. 4aand 4b . The guide pane bottom 25 of a first portion 5 a of the guidepane 5 standing apart from the connection piece 4 comprises a lengthwisecross-section course, which is curved in a first direction, and theguide pane bottom 25 of a second portion 5 b of the guide pane 5standing apart from the connection piece 4 has a lengthwise sectioncourse, which is curved in a second direction, wherein the two curvedportions 5 a, 5 b run in a curve opposite one another. In the embodimentshown in FIGS. 3a and 3b , the second portion 5 b has a proximal end 7of the guide pane 5.

Thus, the guide pane 5 comprises at least a first apex 13 and a secondapex 14. As a result of this special course of the guide pane 5, anespecially favorable stream distribution of the air flow is achievedinside the external auditory canal 3. In this embodiment of the presentteaching, especially good results were obtained in the drying,especially in comparison with attachments that included a guide pane 5with a straight lengthwise cross-section course. It is especiallyadvantageous if—as viewed from the connection piece 4—the gradient of atangent applied on the guide pane bottom 25 in the first portion 5 a ofthe guide pane bottom 25 decreases with the distance from the connectionpiece 4 and increases in the second portion 5 b of the guide pane bottom25 with the distance from the connection piece 4.

The guide pane 5 comprises a portion 5 c running in the connection piece4, wherein the portion 5 c comprises a distal—because at a distance fromthe subject's eardrum 31—end 6 of the guide pane 5. The portion 5 ccontinues the portion 5 a of the guide pane 5. A streaming cross-sectionfor air flowing out of the device 2 into the attachment. 1 is bounded bythe portion 5 c of the guide pane 5 running in the connection piece 4and the connection piece 4. Every part of the entire air stream that isintended to proceed unhindered from the connection piece 4 to the guidepane 5 can thereby be adjustable. In particular, the air stream canthereby be subjected to a streaming cross-section narrowing, whichstreaming cross-section narrowing can be omitted less drastically fromattachments for children, for example, than from attachments for adults.The portion 5 c of the guide pane 5 running in the connection piece 4,in addition, makes it possible to absorb the air flow streaming in fromthe device 2 into the attachment 1 already in the area of the connectionpiece 4, so that the air flow can be guided accordingly immediately uponentry into the attachment 1.

Two guide pane frames stand apart from the lengthwise side edges 16 ofthe guide pane bottom 25, namely a first guide pane frame 26 and asecond guide pane frame 27, to configure, jointly with the guide panebottom 25, a guide duct 10 or part of a guide duct 10 for the air flow.The guide pane bottom 25 and guide pane frames 26, 27 then form part ofthe guide duct 10 if the guide pane frames 26, 27 stand apart only in alengthwise portion of the guide pane 5, but not over its entire length.The guide duct 10 configured by the guide pane bottom 25 and guide paneframes 26, 27 for the air flow is configured by that volume that isbounded by the guide pane bottom 25, first guide pane frame 26 on theone hand and the second guide pane frame 7 on the other hand. Targetedand controlled guidance of the air flow inside the attachment 1 as wellas controlled dispensing of the air flow to the external auditory canal3 can be further improved by the guide duct 10. In addition—withembodiments having an ear funnel, such as in the case of the firstembodiment of the attachment 1 with ear funnel 18 according to FIG. 3b—any kind of undesired reflections of the air flow on an inner wall ofthe ear funnel 18 can be avoided by using the guide pane frames 26, 27.

FIG. 4a shows the cross-section of the inventive attachment 1 accordingto section line A-A from FIG. 3b . FIG. 4b shows the cross-sectionaccording to section line B-B from FIG. 3b . The section runs in bothcases through the ear funnel 18 as well as through the guide pane bottom25 of the guide pane 5. FIG. 4c shows the cross-section of theconnection piece 4 according to section line C-C from FIG. 3 b.

As can be seen in FIGS. 4a, 4b , the guide pane bottom 25 comprises apreferably U-shaped, curved cross-section profile in the illustratedembodiment. Here the cross-section of the guide pane bottom 25 over theentire length of the guide pane 5 is curved in a slightly U-shape. Thecurvature here can increase or decrease from one end of the guide pane 5to the other end of the guide pane 5. It can also be foreseen that thecross-section of the guide pane bottom 25 is curved not over the entirelength of the guide pane 5 but rather only in a lengthwise portion ofthe guide pane 5. Curves of the cross-section profile of the guide panebottom 25 are also conceivable in other than U-shape. FIGS. 4a and 4bshow cross-sections of the attachment 1 with ear funnel 18 according toFIG. 3b ; however, because the attachment 1 shown in FIG. 3b isidentical to the attachment 1 shown in FIG. 3a , aside from the earfunnel 18, the comments made concerning the curved cross-section profileof the guide pane bottom 25 also apply to the first embodiment of theattachment 1 without ear funnel 18, as in FIG. 3 a.

The attachment 1 according to the first embodiment can be introducedinto the external auditory canal 3 either without or with the ear funnel18 in order to be employed as intended for drying the external auditorycanal 3.

Because of the dissoluble connecting of the attachment 1 shown in FIGS.1a and 3a with the ear funnel 18 depicted in perspective in FIG. 1b ,one receives in the attachment 1 shown in FIGS. 2a, 2b and 3b , namelythe attachment 1 according to the first embodiment with ear funnel 18.For this purpose, the ear funnel 18 can be pushed onto the connectionpiece 4—or connected with this or with the guide pane in some other way.With other embodiments of the attachment 1, such as with the thirdembodiment, described above, the connection piece 4 can be configured byan end portion of the ear funnel 18, preferably a distal end portion.

In the case of the first embodiment of the attachment 1 with ear funnel18, the ear funnel 18 can be connected dissolubly with the connectionpiece 4 and projects from it in such a way that the guide pane 5 overits entire length is enclosed by the ear funnel 18 and the connectingconnection piece 4. It can also be foreseen that the ear funnel 18connection piece 4 enclose only a lengthwise portion of the guide pane5, so that the guide pane 5 extends outward beyond the ear funnel 18.The ear funnel 18 shown in FIG. 1b in the present embodiment is rotationsymmetrical as far as an outlet 24, wherein the lengthwise axis 12 ofthe attachment 1 forms the corresponding rotation axis of the ear funnel18.

From FIGS. 2a, 2b, 3b, 4a, 4b and 4c it can be clearly seen that thecross-section of the ear funnel 18 decreases in size, from theconnection piece 4 to a proximal opening 19 of the ear funnel 18, bymeans of which the ear funnel 18 is introduced into the auditory canal 3in an intended use of the attachment 1. This cross-section reductionmakes it possible to determine the insertion depth of the attachment 1into the external auditory canal 3. It thereby becomes possible, forinstance, to move the attachment 1 to within about 15 mm, preferablyapproximately about 10 mm, of the subject's eardrum 31.

The proximal end 7 of the guide pane 5, or the proximal end 7 a of theguide pane bottom 25, is essentially arranged flush with the proximalopening 19 of the ear funnel 18. Accordingly, the proximal end 7 a ofthe guide pane bottom 25 is situated within the proximal end 19 of theear funnel 18 and divides it into outflow opening 2 for air streamingout of the attachment into the external auditory canal 3, as well as aninflow opening 23, through which inflow opening 23 air can stream out ofthe external auditory canal 3 back into the attachment 1

With embodiments of the attachment with ear funnel, such as in the caseof the first embodiment of the attachment 1 with ear funnel 18, in whichthe guide pane 5 projects from the connection piece 4 of the attachment1 or is connected to it, the guide pane 5 extends essentially over theentire length of the ear funnel 18. The air stream serving for dryingcan thereby be directed over the entire length of the ear funnel 18 and,under close control, can be dispensed into the external auditory canalwithout risk of injury to the external auditory canal 3 and/or theeardrum.

To increase the efficiency of drying still further, the outflow opening22 can be smaller than the inflow opening 23. For example, the outflowopening 22 can take up one-third of the proximal opening 19 and theinflow opening 23 can take up two-thirds of the proximal opening 19.

Because the proximal opening 19 of the ear funnel 18 is usually smallerthan the distal opening 29 of the connection piece 4, drying by the airstream is further supported by an increase of the outlet speed of theair stream from the attachment 1 and the complete escape of moist airfrom the auditory canal 3 is ensured. By way of the distal opening ofthe connection piece 4, the air stream flows out of the device 2 intothe attachment 1.

Among embodiments of the attachment with ear funnel, such as in the caseof the first embodiment of the attachment 1 with ear funnel 18, aninterior volume of the ear funnel 18 is divided by the guide pane bottom25, and in some cases by the first guide pane frame 26 and second guidepane frame 27, into a ventilation duct 20 and an air exhaust duct 21.For this purpose, the lengthwise side borders 16 of the guide panebottom 25, or—if present—the guide pane frames 26, 27 connected thereto,can directly contact the ear funnel 18 either along their entire lengthor only partially, or else can be slightly set apart from the ear funnel18. In the case of direct contact over the entire length of the guidepane 5, fluid insulation can be established between the ventilation duct20 and the air exhaust duct 21. In the case of only partial contact or adistance between guide pane 5 and ear funnel 18, complete insulation isguaranteed, or at least secured, so that mixing of the air directed inthe ventilation duct 20 with the air directed in the exhaust air duct 21is prevented as much as possible.

The ventilation duct 20 connects the distal opening 29 of the connectionpiece 4 with the outflow opening 22. The exhaust air duct 21 connectsthe inflow opening 23 of the ear funnel 18 with the outlet 24 of theattachment 1, which is configured on an underside of the ear funnel 18as an indentation in its housing. Accordingly, the ventilation duct 20makes possible the inflow of the air or fluid stream generated by thedevice 2 into the subject's external auditory canal 3, and the exhaustair duct 21 allows the return streaming of air used for drying theexternal auditory canal 3 or of the fluid used for cleansing ortreatment out of the external auditory canal 3 into the atmosphere.

To prevent reshaping of the guide pane 5 during the intended use of theinventive attachment 1 if the attachment 1 is or was already introducedinto the external auditory canal 3, it can be foreseen that the earfunnel 18 is rigidly configured in comparison with the connection piece4 and/or with the guide pane 5, preferably more flexibly than theconnection piece 4 and/or the tongue-type guide pane 5. By means of thisaction, the ear funnel 18, in particular, protects the guide pane 5 fromany kind of reshaping. For example, the ear funnel 18 can be made ofpolyethylene or polypropylene, while the connection piece 4 and guidepane 5 can be constructed of thermoplastic elastomer or of silicone.

FIG. 3a shows the attachment 1 in a connecting position, in which theattachment 1 is connected to the device 2 (see also FIGS. 5a, 5b and 5c).

For the purpose of connection, the attachment 1 with the connectionpiece 4 is introduced partially into the outlet opening 15 for the airstream of the device 2. A latching protrusion 17 on an end portion ofthe connection piece 4 on the device is engaged with a retention portion34 of the device 2 and thus prevents inadvertent release of theconnection between the device 2 and the attachment 1 (see, for instanceFIG. 6a or 9 b). In principle, however, many different types ofconnection are conceivable for attaching the attachment 1 to the device2. The air or water stream issuing from the device 2 thus flow firstthrough the connection piece 4 of the attachment 1 when it flows intothe attachment 1. This is also the case when the connection piece 4 isnot introduced into the outlet opening 15 but rather is otherwiseconnected with the device 2, for example mounted onto it.

A distance holder 28, positioned to surround the circumference of theconnection piece 4 at least partially, is aligned on a housing of thedevice 2 and thus ensures that the connection piece 4 cannot beintroduced deeper than intended into the outlet opening 15. Inembodiments of the attachment having an ear funnel, such as in the caseof the first embodiment with ear funnel 18 according to FIG. 3b , theear funnel 18 can be pushed onto the connection piece 4 for the purposeof connection and can be aligned with the distance holder. Here theconnection piece 4 and ear funnel 18 are connected with one another byforce fitting, wherein other possibilities for connection alsoexist—such as by means of interlocking latching recesses and latchingprotrusions.

FIG. 5a shows an inventive ear-drying instrument, including the device 2for generating an air flow as well as the inventive attachment 1according to the first embodiment of the inventive attachment, whereinthe ear funnel 18 has been removed from the combined connection piece 4and guide pane 5, which are configured as a single unit, and thus is notvisible.

The device 2 is preferably designed for the purposes of drying ears andcan advantageously be configured as portable.

FIG. 5b shows the inventive ear-drying instrument including the device 2for generating an air flow as well as the inventive attachment 1 withear funnel 18.

FIG. 5c shows the inventive ear-drying instrument from FIG. 5a or 5 b.The attachment 1 here is covered by a protective cap 30, which inparticular serves to protect the attachment 1 during transport of thedevice 2.

FIG. 6a is a schematic depiction of the streaming pathway, determined bythe attachment 1, of an inventive device in its operating position. Theillustrated streaming pathway inside the external auditory canal 3 thusdevelops unchanged, independently of the concrete embodiment of theinventive attachment 1. Because of the comparatively large introductiondepth of the attachment 1 into the external auditory canal 3, noreflection of the air flow issuing from the attachment reaches thelateral walls 8, 9; the air flow, because of the guide pane 5, isagitated on leaving the attachment 1, so that inside the externalauditory canal 3, turbulence develops that is favorable for drying.

FIG. 6b likewise shows the attachment 1 introduced into the auditorycanal, however at a lesser insertion depth than in FIG. 6a . The resultis a different flow image inside the external auditory canal 3, whichagain is independent of the embodiment of the attachment 1 that isselected. In this case the air flow issuing from the attachment 1 isreflected onto the lateral walls 8, 9 of the external auditory canal 3,so that inside the external auditory canal 3 turbulence develops that isfavorable for drying.

FIG. 6c shows the attachment 1 inserted into the auditory canal 3,wherein the ear-drying instrument, however, is operated with otheroperational parameters, with the result that the outlet angle of the airflow out of the attachment 1 is different. Consequently, there is adifferent streaming image inside the external auditory canal 3, which,however, is again independent of the selected embodiment of theattachment 1. Also, in this case, the air stream flowing out of theattachment 1 is reflected on the lateral walls 8, 9 of the externalauditory canal 3, so that an eddy favorable for drying develops insidethe external auditory canal 3.

FIGS. 7a, 7b, 7c and 7c are each linear depictions of FIGS. 1a, 1b, 2aand 2 b.

FIGS. 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d show a fourth embodiment of the inventiveattachment 1. All statements made so far in connection with the first,second and third embodiments also apply to the fourth embodiment,illustrated here. In addition, the connection piece 4 of the attachmentof the fourth embodiment comprises several indentations 32. Theindentations in this case are arranged in the end portion of theconnection piece 4 having the device, said end portion also configuringthe latching protrusion 17. As can be seen from FIGS. 8c and 8d , theindentations 32 are at an angle of 45°; accordingly, a total of eightindentations 32 are arranged in the end portion of the connection piece4.

If the attachment 1 with the end portion of the connection piece 4 isintroduced into the outlet opening 15 of the device 2 in order toconnect the attachment 1 with the device 2, the latching protrusion 17of the connection piece 4, which is engaged with the retention portion34 of the device 2, prevents unintentional release of the attachment 1from the device 2; however, the attachment 1 can be twisted freelycontrary to the device 2, so that—depending on the twistingposition—various orientations of the guide pane 5 can be adopted. Toblock the attachment 1 in a particular twisting position on the device2, at least one latching protrusion 33 can be foreseen on the device 2(see FIGS. 9a and 9b ), preferably in the area of the outlet opening 15,which latching protrusions 33 can be brought into engagement with one ofthe indentations 32. The indentations 32 thus indicate preferredtwisting positions of the attachment 1 on the device 2.

FIG. 10a shows the attachment 1 before connection to the device 2 fordispensing a fluid, such as for instance air, water or anothertherapeutic or treating liquid. To connect the attachment 1 with thedevice 2, as is shown in FIG. 10b , the attachment 1 can be introducedinto the outlet opening 15 with its device-bearing end portion. Theretention portion 34 of the device 2 prevents inadvertent release of theattachment 1 from the device 2. The latching protrusion 33, atparticular twisting positions of the attachment 1 corresponding to theindentations 32, can engage in the respective indentation 32 in order tosecure the attachment 1 in the corresponding twisting positions. Bytwisting the attachment 1 out of this twisting position, the attachment1 can be brought into a different twisting position in which thelatching protrusion 33 can engage in a different latching recess 34.

FIGS. 11a and 11b show a fifth embodiment of the inventive attachment 1.All of the previously made comments concerning the first, second, thirdand fourth embodiments also apply to the fifth embodiment, illustratedhere. In addition, two inflow elements 35 are arranged on the guide panebottom 25 of the guide pane 5 of the attachment 1.

The inflow elements 35 here each have the shape of a right-angletriangle, as can clearly be seen from FIGS. 11a and 11b , and arearranged in a central lengthwise portion of the guide pane 5. The inflowelements 35, through the connection pieces 4, set inflow surfacesagainst the fluid stream flowing into the attachment 1 by way of theconnection pieces 3, which inflow surfaces in preferred manner runperpendicular to the streaming direction of the contiguous fluid stream,so that the contiguous streaming of the fluid is disturbed and is forcedinto an eddy motion; one or more eddies 36 (vortex) of the fluidintroduced into the auditory canal are configured. As can clearly beseen from FIG. 11b , the inflow elements 35 are arranged on the guidepane bottom 25 in such a way that the inflow elements 35 face oneanother and the distance between the inflow elements 35 is reducedtoward the end 7 of the guide pane 5.

FIG. 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b and 13c show a sixth embodiment of the inventiveattachment (1). All of the statements expressed above in connection withthe first, second, third, fourth and fifth embodiment is also applied tothe sixth embodiment illustrated here. In addition, the guide panebottom (25) of this embodiment is not symmetrical, as is the case withthe other embodiments described above, but rather asymmetrical.

This can be achieved if portions of the guide pane frames 26, 27situated opposite one another each are of different height, or if theguide pane bottom 25 is pushed and/or rotated with respect to a firstlengthwise portion in the area of a second lengthwise portion of theguide pane bottom 25. In particular, the second portion 5 b of the guidepane 25 curved in the second direction, as shown, can be rotated withrespect to the first portion 5 a of the guide pane 25.

1. An attachment for a device for generating an air flow, preferably awarm air flow, or dispensing a fluid, which attachment is designed to beat least partially introduced into an external auditory canal of a humanor animal ear, the attachment comprising: a connection piece forconnecting to the device, wherein the device includes: a tongue-typeguide vane, set apart from the connection piece, for conducting air orfluid that flows out of the device via the connection piece, having abottom, and wherein the guide pane is mounted behind the connectionpiece in the streaming direction of the air flow or fluid, wherein theguide vane bottom of a first portion of the guide vane includes alengthwise-section course, which is curved in a first direction, and theguide pane bottom of a second portion of the guide pane includes alengthwise-section course, which is curved in a second direction, andthe two curved portions extend in curves opposite one another.
 2. Theattachment according to claim 1, wherein the first portion and thesecond portion directly connect with one another.
 3. The attachmentaccording to claim 1, wherein the attachment includes an ear funnel,which ear funnel encloses the tongue-type guide pane at least partiallyin a lengthwise direction and includes a proximal opening, with whichproximal opening the attachment, according to appropriate use, isintroduced into or applied to the external auditory canal, so that theproximal opening constitutes the opening of the ear funnel closest tothe eardrum, wherein the ear funnel is connected onto the connectionpiece and stands apart from it, or the connection piece forms an endportion of the ear funnel.
 4. The attachment according to claim 1,wherein, from the viewpoint of a lengthwise section of the attachment,the guide pane bottom intersects a lengthwise axis of the attachment,said lengthwise axis running through the center point of a cross-sectionof the connection piece standing perpendicular on the lengthwisesection.
 5. The attachment according to claim 3, wherein, from theviewpoint of a lengthwise section of the attachment, the guide panebottom intersects a lengthwise axis of the ear funnel, said lengthwiseaxis running through the center point of the proximal opening of the earfunnel.
 6. The attachment according to claim 5, wherein the lengthwiseaxis of the ear funnel coincides with the lengthwise axis of theattachment.
 7. The attachment according to claim 1, wherein thetongue-type guide pane comprises two guide pane frames extending fromthe guide pane bottom, namely a first guide pane frame and a secondguide pane frame, wherein the guide pane bottom and guide pane framesconfigure a guide duct or part of a guide duct for the air flowing outof the device for generating an air flow.
 8. The attachment according toclaim 7, wherein the first guide pane frame extends from a firstlengthwise border of the guide pane bottom and the second guide paneframe extends from a second lengthwise border of the guide pane bottomsituated opposite the first lengthwise border.
 9. The attachmentaccording to claim 1, wherein the tongue-type guide pane comprises aportion running in the connection piece.
 10. The attachment according toclaim 3, wherein the tongue-type guide pane is arranged completelywithin the ear funnel and/or the connection piece.
 11. The attachmentaccording to claim 3, wherein the ear funnel tapers in the directionfrom the connection piece to the proximal opening of the ear funnel. 12.The attachment according to claim 3, wherein a proximal end of the guidepane, which proximal end, according to appropriate use, constitutes theend of the guide pane closest to the eardrum, is positioned inside theproximal opening of the ear funnel.
 13. The attachment according toclaim 12, wherein the proximal end of the guide pane divides theproximal opening of the ear funnel into an outflowing opening for airflowing out of the attachment into the auditory canal as well as aninflow opening for air flowing out of the auditory canal into theattachment.
 14. The attachment according to claim 3, wherein thetongue-type guide pane divides an inner volume of the ear funnel into aventilation duct for air flowing from the attachment into the auditorycanal as well as an exhaust air duct for air flowing out of the auditorycanal into the attachment, wherein the ventilation duct connects theconnection piece with the exhaust air flow opening and wherein theexhaust air duct connects the inflow opening with an outlet of theattachment.
 15. The attachment according to claim 14, wherein across-section of the ventilation duct decreases as it extends in thestreaming direction.
 16. The attachment according to claim 3, wherein anoutlet of the attachment is formed by an opening in a housing wall ofthe ear funnel.
 17. The attachment according to claim 3, wherein theconnection piece and the guide pane are configured as a single unit, andcan be connected as a unit with the ear funnel, or that the ear funneland the guide pane are configured as a single unit, and can be connectedas a unit with the connection piece, or that the connection piece, theguide pane and the ear funnel are configured as a single unit.
 18. Theattachment according to claim 3, wherein the connection piece isconstituted by an end portion of the ear funnel.
 19. An ear-dryinginstrument including a device for generating an air flow as well as anattachment according to claim
 1. 20. A device for the care ortherapeutic treatment of the exterior auditory canal of a human oranimal ear including a device for dispensing a fluid as well as anattachment according to claim
 1. 21. The device according to claim 1,wherein the connection piece is designed to connect the attachmenttwistably on the device.
 22. The attachment according to claim 21,wherein the connection piece comprises at least one indentation on anexternal enclosure surface, which indentation can engage with at leastone clasping hook of the device in order to block the attachment in aparticular twisting position on the device.
 23. The attachment accordingto claim 22, wherein several indentations are positioned at a distancefrom one another on the outer enclosing surface of the connection piecein order to be able to block the attachment in different twistingpositions on the device.
 24. The attachment according to claim 23,wherein the indentations are at an angle to one another of up to 180°.25. The attachment according to claim 1, wherein at least one inflowelement is foreseen, which inflow element extends beyond the guide panebottom in order to agitate the fluid flowing out of the device.
 26. Theattachment according to claim 25, wherein at least two inflow elementsare positioned on the guide pane bottom opposite one another.
 27. Theattachment according to claim 25, wherein the inflow elements have theshape of a right-angle triangle.
 28. The attachment according to claim26, wherein inflow surfaces of the inflow elements, which inflowsurfaces face the connection piece, run perpendicular to one another.29. The attachment according to claim 26, wherein, viewed from theconnection piece, a distance between opposite-situated inflow elementsdecreases in the lengthwise direction of the attachment.
 30. Theattachment according to claim 1, wherein the guide pane bottom, at leastin the area of a second lengthwise portion of the guide pane is rotatedwith respect to a first lengthwise portion of the guide pane.
 31. Theattachment according to claim 7, wherein the first guide pane frame andthe second guide pane frame are each of different height.